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Irresistible Blueberry Orange Angel Food Cake Roll: Your Ultimate Guide to a Light and Flavorful Dessert

Discover the magic of a dessert that’s both elegant in appearance and incredibly easy to make. This Blueberry Orange Angel Food Cake Roll, beautifully garnished with fresh blueberries, vibrant orange slices, and delicate whipped cream, stands out as the quintessential light, fluffy, and perfectly spongy cake. It’s a delightful treat that promises to bring a burst of sweet, juicy flavors to any occasion, perfect for seasoned bakers and enthusiastic beginners alike. Prepare to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor!

At the heart of this stunning dessert lies a simple yet ingenious combination: a light angel food cake base filled with a generous layer of rich blueberry pie filling and a zesty orange cream cheese frosting. The convenience of using a high-quality angel food cake box mix significantly simplifies the baking process, allowing you to focus on the enjoyable aspects of assembly and decoration. The result is a cake roll that’s not only visually appealing with its beautiful spiral but also bursting with wonderfully sweet and juicy flavors, making every bite a memorable experience.

There’s an undeniable charm to cake rolls, isn’t there? They possess a timeless, retro appeal that instantly evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of classic dessert tables and cherished family gatherings. Their elegant presentation suggests a complex baking endeavor, but fear not! If the thought of baking a “jelly roll” or “swiss roll” cake has ever felt daunting, this recipe will transform your perspective. With this comprehensive, step-by-step guide, you’ll discover just how effortless it is to create a perfectly rolled cake that will impress everyone, proving that spectacular desserts don’t have to be difficult.

Customization and Creativity: Make This Angel Food Cake Roll Uniquely Yours!

One of the most exciting aspects of this Blueberry Orange Angel Food Cake Roll recipe is its incredible versatility. It serves as an excellent canvas for culinary creativity, allowing you to “play” with flavors, presentations, and even pan sizes. While the traditional jelly roll pan yields the signature elongated, spiral shape, this adaptable dessert can absolutely be baked in alternative forms. For instance, you can bake the angel food cake in a tube pan for a classic ring cake or even in a 9×13 inch baking pan for a delightful sheet cake style dessert, though baking times and the final assembly (no rolling required for a sheet cake) would differ slightly. The core delicious flavor profile, however, remains consistent.

Feeling adventurous with flavor combinations? Don’t hesitate to experiment beyond blueberries and oranges, which already create a sublime pairing. Imagine substituting them for other delightful seasonal fruits and zesty citrus combinations. Fresh strawberries and bright lemons make for a refreshing alternative, offering a lovely tart-sweet contrast. A tropical mango-lime twist could transport your taste buds to an exotic paradise. You could also explore different pie fillings, such as cherry or peach, paired with a complementary citrus zest or extract in the cream cheese filling. The possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to tailor this dessert to seasonal ingredients, personal preferences, or specific dietary needs (with careful substitutions), ensuring it’s always a crowd-pleaser that reflects your unique culinary flair.

Explore More Delightful Cake Roll Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with the charm, versatility, and sheer deliciousness of cake rolls, we have more delightful recipes for you to explore. These rolled desserts are perfect for any occasion, offering unique flavor profiles and a touch of nostalgic elegance that’s hard to resist. Broaden your baking horizons and try these other fantastic creations:

Banana Split Jelly Roll Cake
Banana Cream Jelly Roll
Ice Cream Cake Roll

What Exactly is a Jelly Roll Cake? Understanding the Magic of the Angel Food Roll

A jelly roll cake, also widely known as a Swiss roll, cream roll, or in our specific case, an angel food cake roll up, is a beautifully simple yet impressively presented dessert. It is characterized by a thin, flexible layer of light, spongy cake that is evenly spread with a flavorful filling—traditionally jam or jelly—and then carefully rolled into a distinctive log or elegant spiral shape. This iconic presentation makes it a standout on any dessert table, offering both visual appeal and a delightful eating experience.

What truly sets our Blueberry Orange Angel Food Cake Roll recipe apart is the foundation: the use of angel food cake. Angel food cake is renowned for its incredibly light, airy texture, delicate sweetness, and unique composition. Unlike traditional butter cakes that rely on fats for moisture and tenderness, angel food cake gets its remarkable lift and cloud-like structure exclusively from whipped egg whites, with absolutely no egg yolks or butter involved. This makes it a naturally fat-free and considerably lower-calorie option compared to many other cakes, offering a delightful and guilt-free indulgence that doesn’t compromise on flavor or satisfaction. It’s the perfect choice for a dessert that feels rich yet remains refreshingly light.

Achieving the perfect roll requires a few key techniques and considerations. For the best results when baking your angel food cake, it is crucial not to grease your baking pan directly. Angel food cake batter needs to cling to the sides of the pan to climb high and achieve its characteristic airy texture. However, lining your jelly roll pan with parchment paper is highly recommended. The parchment prevents sticking and, more importantly, provides a sturdy yet flexible base that greatly facilitates the smooth removal and initial rolling of the warm cake. This initial roll, performed while the cake is still warm and pliable, is a critical step; it “trains” the cake to hold its spiral shape once it has cooled, preventing common issues like cracking or breaking during the final filling and re-rolling process. Furthermore, when adding your filling, it’s essential to use a balanced amount. Overfilling the cake with too much cream or a very thick filling can lead to excessive moisture and make the cake prone to falling apart when sliced. A moderate, even layer of filling is key for both structural integrity and a delightful eating experience.

Once prepared, this delightful dessert is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Proper storage is vital to maintain its freshness, delicate texture, and vibrant flavors. When refrigerated, your Blueberry Orange Angel Food Cake Roll will remain fresh and delicious for approximately 2-3 days, though its irresistible taste might mean it disappears much faster than that!

Beyond the Roll: More Creative and Fun Dessert Ideas

Our culinary adventures don’t stop at delicious cake rolls! If you’re looking for other fun, easy, and memorable desserts to tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests, we have a few more fantastic suggestions. These recipes are sure to become new favorites in your baking repertoire, perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a sweet treat for yourself:

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
Popcorn Cake Recipe

Essential Ingredients for Your Angel Food Cake Roll

Crafting this delightful Blueberry Orange Angel Food Cake Roll is a breeze, thanks to a list of readily available and incredibly tasty ingredients. You might even find most of these staples already waiting in your refrigerator or pantry! For the precise measurements and quantities, please refer to the detailed recipe card below.

Angel Food Cake Mix: For remarkable convenience and consistently light, fluffy results, we highly recommend using a quality angel food cake box mix. This ensures a wonderfully airy, subtly chewy, and satisfyingly sweet cake base without the fuss of separating eggs and precise measurements. However, if you’re an experienced baker and have a cherished homemade angel food cake recipe, feel free to use it – just ensure it yields a batter suitable for a thin sheet cake.
Powdered Sugar: Beyond its role as a key sweetener in the filling, powdered sugar is crucial for preparing your rolling surface. A generous dusting on your clean kitchen towel creates a non-stick barrier, preventing the delicate warm cake from sticking and ensuring a smooth, effortless roll. It also contributes to the silky-smooth texture of the cream cheese filling.
Cream Cheese: The star of our luscious, tangy-sweet filling! Softened cream cheese adds a delightful richness, velvety texture, and a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that beautifully complements the fruit. For the best consistency and taste, opt for full-fat block cream cheese, allowing it to come to room temperature before mixing.
Whipping Cream (Heavy Cream): This essential ingredient is used in two ways: it’s incorporated into the orange cream cheese filling to lighten its texture and add a creamy richness, and when whipped with a touch of powdered sugar, it transforms into a stable, ethereal topping or elegant garnish that perfectly complements the cake’s inherent lightness.
Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice: The vibrant essence of this cake! Freshly squeezed orange juice infuses the cream cheese filling with a bright, zesty, and refreshing citrus flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the sweet blueberries. Don’t skimp on freshness here; it truly makes a difference in the overall taste.
Orange Zest: The zest from a fresh orange contains potent aromatic oils that deliver an intense burst of citrus aroma and concentrated flavor without adding extra liquid. It truly elevates the orange profile of the filling, adding depth and brightness that juice alone cannot provide.
Vanilla Extract: A classic flavor enhancer in baking, pure vanilla extract adds a warm, sweet, and comforting background note. It expertly marries the tangy cream cheese, bright orange, and sweet blueberry flavors, creating a more complex, well-rounded, and inviting taste profile.
Orange Food Coloring (Optional): If you desire a more vivid, eye-catching orange hue for your cream cheese filling, a few drops of orange food coloring can be added. This is purely for aesthetic appeal and doesn’t affect the taste, allowing you to customize the visual presentation of your cake.
Blueberry Pie Filling: This convenient ingredient provides the delightful “jelly” aspect to our jelly roll cake. It’s pre-thickened, wonderfully sweet, and bursting with plump blueberry flavor, making it an ideal, easy-to-use layer within the cake roll that requires no extra preparation.
Fresh Blueberries and Orange Slices: These are the crowning jewels for decoration. Fresh blueberries offer a vibrant pop of color, a delightful texture, and natural sweetness. Thinly sliced fresh oranges add an elegant, aromatic, and refreshing touch, making the overall presentation truly spectacular and inviting.

Mastering the Blueberry Orange Angel Food Cake Roll: A Detailed Step-by-Step Guide

Crafting this exquisite angel food cake roll is surprisingly straightforward, and with these detailed instructions and helpful tips, you’ll be able to achieve perfect, bakery-worthy results every time. For even more precise measurements and a full printable version of the recipe, be sure to scroll down to the dedicated recipe card below.

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Environment (PREP)

Begin by preheating your oven to the precise temperature of 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking as soon as the batter is ready, which is crucial for the delicate structure of angel food cake. Next, carefully prepare a 10x15x1-inch jelly roll pan. It’s absolutely crucial to line this pan with parchment paper, allowing it to extend slightly over the short edges for easy lifting later. Lightly spray only the parchment paper (not the pan itself) with a non-stick cooking spray, then gently press the parchment firmly to the pan to ensure it adheres smoothly and doesn’t wrinkle. This dual layer of parchment and minimal spray is vital for preventing the delicate angel food cake from sticking and for facilitating a clean transfer later.

Step 2: Mix the Angel Food Cake Batter

In a large, impeccably clean mixing bowl, prepare your angel food cake mix strictly according to the package instructions. This typically involves using an electric mixer to whip egg whites (or the mix contents) until they reach a state of light and airy stiffness, forming firm, glossy peaks. Ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are scrupulously clean and completely grease-free, as any trace of fat can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly, resulting in a flat, dense cake rather than the desired airy texture. The finished batter should be voluminous, glossy, and hold its shape when the beaters are lifted, indicating it’s perfectly aerated and ready for baking.

Step 3: Spread the Batter Evenly

Carefully and gently pour the delicate angel food cake batter onto your prepared jelly roll pan. Using an offset spatula or the back of a large spoon, gently and swiftly spread the batter evenly to all edges of the pan. Work quickly but with a light hand to avoid deflating the precious air you’ve incorporated into the batter, as this air is what gives angel food cake its characteristic lightness and height. A uniform thickness across the entire pan ensures even baking and a consistent texture, which is crucial for a cake that needs to be rolled without cracking.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the cake in your preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes. The cake is perfectly done when it develops a beautiful golden-brown color on top and, when lightly touched in the center, springs back immediately, indicating it’s fully cooked through. Don’t be alarmed by how much the cake rises in the oven; angel food cakes are known for their impressive puff! Rest assured, it will not overflow the pan. The delicate golden crust and springy texture are signs of a perfectly baked, moist, and airy cake base that’s ready for the crucial rolling process.

Step 5: Prepare for Rolling (Lay)

While your cake is baking, prepare your rolling surface without delay. Lay a clean, lint-free kitchen towel (a flat-weave tea towel works wonderfully as it won’t impart fibers) flat on your counter. Generously sprinkle about 1/4 cup of powdered sugar evenly over the entire surface of the towel. Immediately upon removing the warm cake from the oven, gently but swiftly invert it (flip it over) onto the sugar-coated towel. The powdered sugar creates a vital non-stick barrier and helps prevent the delicate warm cake from sticking or tearing during the subsequent rolling process. Speed is of the essence here, as the cake is most pliable when warm.

Step 6: The Art of Rolling (Roll)

Working quickly while the cake is still hot and wonderfully pliable, carefully peel off the parchment paper from the bottom of the cake. Immediately begin to roll the hot cake, starting from one of the narrow ends. Use the towel to help you roll it tightly and evenly, ensuring the towel is rolled up inside the cake. This initial roll, performed while the cake is still warm and flexible, is a crucial step; it “trains” the cake to retain its spiral shape and significantly prevents cracking or breaking later when you unroll it to add the filling. Don’t worry if it feels a bit fragile; gentle but firm handling is key to a successful roll.

Step 7: Cool Completely (Chill)

Once rolled with the towel snugly inside, carefully place the entire rolled cake (still wrapped in the towel) on a wire rack or directly on the counter to cool completely. Allowing it to cool fully and gradually is crucial for its stability; this allows the cake’s structure to set in its new rolled shape. If you’re pressed for time, you can carefully place it in the refrigerator to speed up the cooling process, ensuring it is thoroughly chilled before moving on. A fully cooled cake will hold its shape much better and be less prone to tearing or crumbling when unrolled and filled.

Step 8: Prepare the Zesty Orange Cream Cheese Filling (Juice & Add)

While your cake cools, it’s the perfect time to prepare the star of our filling. Zest a fresh orange to gather 2 tablespoons of fragrant zest, then juice the orange to get 1/4 cup of fresh juice. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s wonderfully smooth, creamy, and completely lump-free. Gradually add the remaining 3/4 cup of powdered sugar, the vanilla extract, the cold heavy whipping cream, and both the fresh orange zest and orange juice. Continue beating the mixture until it becomes thick, airy, and beautifully spreadable. If you wish to enhance the orange color for a more vibrant and eye-catching presentation, you can add a couple of drops of orange food coloring; this step is entirely optional and won’t affect the delightful flavor. Aim for a consistency that is firm enough to hold its shape but soft enough to spread easily without tearing the delicate cake.

Step 9: Fill and Roll Again (Unroll & Place)

Once your cake is completely cooled and firm, gently unroll it from the towel. Carefully remove the towel, taking utmost care not to tear the delicate cake. Spread approximately half of your freshly prepared orange cream cheese filling evenly over the entire surface of the cake, leaving a small border (about half an inch) around the edges. Next, spoon the blueberry pie filling over the cream cheese layer, again spreading it evenly across the cake. You will likely use a little more than half of the can of pie filling for this layer. It’s important not to overfill the cake; a thin, even layer of filling ensures a beautiful spiral and prevents it from squishing out excessively when you re-roll it.

Now, carefully and gently re-roll the cake, using the same gentle motion as you did for the initial roll. Work slowly and evenly to ensure a tight, beautiful spiral. Once rolled, carefully place the cake onto your chosen serving platter, ensuring the seam side is down. This technique not only helps stabilize the cake but also presents a neat and professional appearance ready for frosting and decoration.

Step 10: Frost and Decorate for a Stunning Finish

With your cake neatly rolled and positioned on its serving platter, it’s time for the crowning glory. Use the remaining orange cream cheese filling to generously frost the top and sides of the cake roll, smoothing it out for a neat, elegant finish. For an extra touch of indulgence and fresh flavor, prepare homemade whipped cream by mixing 1 cup of cold heavy whipping cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar. Whip until stiff peaks form, indicating it’s light and stable. Pipe this ethereal whipped cream onto the top and along the edges of the cake, creating a beautiful decorative border. Finally, artfully arrange fresh blueberries and delicate, thinly sliced orange pieces on top of the whipped cream. This not only enhances the visual appeal with a burst of color but also adds complementary textures and refreshing flavors. Alternatively, for a slightly less formal presentation, you could serve the whipped cream and fresh fruit alongside the cake, allowing guests to customize their own perfect portion.

Serving Tip for Perfect Slices:

To achieve clean, beautiful slices that hold their shape and showcase the stunning spiral layers, always use a long, sharp serrated knife. Employ a gentle sawing motion rather than pressing straight down. This technique prevents the delicate cake and soft filling from squishing or tearing, ensuring each slice looks as perfect and inviting as it tastes.

Loved This Recipe? Pin It for Later!

Don’t let this incredible Blueberry Orange Angel Food Cake Roll recipe get lost in your bookmarks or forgotten amongst other tempting desserts! Be sure to pin it to your favorite recipe board on Pinterest now. This way, you can easily find it whenever a craving for a light, fruity, and impressive dessert strikes, ensuring this delightful treat is always just a click away!

Discover More Delectable Cake Recipes to Enjoy

Expand your baking repertoire and delight your taste buds with these other fantastic cake recipes. Whether you’re a fan of rolled cakes or looking for something entirely different, these suggestions are perfect for any occasion and every sweet tooth:

Ice Cream Cake Roll (pictured above)
(Two Ingredient) Pineapple Angel Food Cake
Banana Cream Jelly Roll
Lemon Blueberry Trifle
(Two Ingredient) Pineapple Angel Food Cake
Banana Split Jelly Roll Cake

Doesn’t this stunning Blueberry Orange Angel Food Cake Roll boast an absolutely beautiful presentation? It’s truly an edible masterpiece that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. With its vibrant colors and irresistible flavors, it promises to be the highlight of any dessert table. Gather your ingredients, follow this guide, and let’s embark on this wonderful baking journey together to create a dessert that will be remembered!

Blueberry Orange Angel Food Cake Roll: The Full Recipe

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Jelly Cake Roll garnished with fresh blueberries and orange slices

Blueberry Orange Angel Food Cake Roll

Cake Rolls bring a little bit of delicious nostalgia to the table, don’t they? Garnished with fresh blueberries, orange slices and whipping cream, this Blueberry Orange Angel Food Cake Roll is the perfect light, fluffy and spongy cake!

Rating: 4.84 from 6 votes

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Additional Time (Cooling): 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes

Course: Cake & Cupcakes

Cuisine: American

Keyword: angel food cake, angel food cake roll, jelly roll, roll up angel food cake, blueberry orange dessert

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 376 kcal

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Equipment

Humbee Chef Serrated Bread Knife
Rubber Spatulas
Offset Spatula Set
Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
KitchenAid Hand Mixer
15 x 10 x 1-Inch Jelly Roll Pan

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) angel food cake mix, plus ingredients to prepare it (as per package instructions)
1 cup powdered sugar, divided (1/4 cup for rolling, 3/4 cup for filling)
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened to room temperature
3/4 cup cold heavy whipping cream (for filling)
1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
2 Tablespoons orange zest (from a fresh orange)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Orange food coloring (optional, for vivid color)
1 can (approximately 21 ounces) blueberry pie filling
Optional for Garnishing:
1 cup heavy whipping cream, mixed with 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar (whipped until stiff peaks)
Fresh blueberries and orange slices (for decoration)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10x15x1-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, allowing it to extend slightly over the edges. Lightly spray the parchment with non-stick spray, then press it firmly to the pan.
In a large mixing bowl, prepare the angel food cake mix according to the package instructions using an electric mixer. Beat until the batter is light, airy, and stiff peaks have formed.
Carefully pour the prepared batter onto the lined baking sheet and gently spread it evenly to all edges of the pan using an offset spatula.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until the top of the cake is golden brown and springs back when lightly touched. The cake will rise considerably but will not overflow.
Immediately upon removing the cake from the oven, lay a clean, lint-free kitchen towel (like a tea towel) on your counter and generously sprinkle it with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar.
Invert the warm cake onto the sugar-coated towel. Carefully peel off the parchment paper from the bottom of the cake.
Starting from one of the narrow ends, immediately begin to roll the hot cake, with the towel rolled up inside. Roll it gently but firmly.
Place the rolled cake (still wrapped in the towel) on a wire rack or the counter and allow it to cool completely. You can place it in the refrigerator to speed up the cooling process.
Prepare the Filling: While the cake cools, in a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the remaining 3/4 cup powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cold heavy whipping cream, fresh orange zest, and orange juice. Beat until the mixture is thick and creamy. If desired, add a couple of drops of orange food coloring to enhance the color.
Once the cake is completely cooled, gently unroll it and carefully remove the towel.
Spread approximately half of the orange cream cheese filling evenly over the entire surface of the cake, leaving a small border.
Next, spoon the blueberry pie filling over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly. You will likely use a little more than half of the can of pie filling. Avoid making the filling too thick, as it may squish out when re-rolling.
Carefully re-roll the cake, using the same gentle motion as before. Place the cake roll onto a serving platter with the seam side down.
Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining orange cream cheese filling, smoothing it out for a neat finish.
To Decorate: Prepare additional whipped cream (1 cup heavy whipping cream mixed with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, whipped until stiff peaks form). Pipe the whipped cream onto the top and edges of the cake. Arrange fresh blueberries and orange slices on top for a beautiful garnish.
Serving Tip: For neat slices, use a serrated knife and cut with a gentle sawing motion.

Notes

This recipe is adapted from The Recipe Rebel, ensuring a delicious and reliable outcome every time.

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